Basic Camp flyer detailing requirements to attend.

Become the Leader you are Striving to Be

ROTC at the University of Kansas enjoys an old and proud heritage. The KU Army ROTC program is one of the top ROTC programs in the country and we have the luxury of having all the military services represented here at KU. Army ROTC is the senior program, having been established in 1918 in the wake of World War I. Since then, over 2,300 second lieutenants have been commissioned through KU’s Army ROTC program.

Welcome to the Jayhawk Battalion

To be a U.S. Army Soldier is to be a part of the strongest fighting force in the world. You’ll spend your days training, working and serving together to protect America’s freedoms. But you’ll also have time after work for family, friends and personal interests. From recruitment to retirement, the U.S. Army provides a unique and diverse lifestyle for Soldiers.

Army ROTC produces 75% of all Army officers. Founded in 1916, ROTC has produced more than one-half million lieutenants for America's Army. It remains the broadest avenue for men and women seeking to serve as officers in the Army. The Army officer is a prestigious professional who serves as a leader in the most respected institution in America.

As part of Army ROTC, you'll be in the company of a diverse group of individuals with broad interests who excelled in their chosen areas of interest. They may have been presidents of their student governments, captains of their varsity sports teams, club presidents, or members of the National Honor Society.

About the Jayhawk Battalion, Army ROTC

Army ROTC is a college elective that teaches you the skills needed for a successful career. You'll combine classroom time with hands-on experience and learn leadership and management skills. Additionally, because it's an elective, you can try it out for up to two years with no commitment. Whether you choose a career in the Army or the corporate world, Army ROTC will provide you with the confidence and leadership skills you need to succeed in college and beyond.

What is the outcome of studying Military Science?

  • A Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Active Army, Army Reserves, or the Army National Guard
  • Live by the Army Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage).
  • Have specific mental, physical, and emotional attributes.
  • Demonstrate specific conceptual, interpersonal, technical and tactical skills.
  • Influence others through communication, decisiveness, and motivation.
  • Operate units by planning, executing and assessing progress.
  • Improve the Army by developing people, teams and self.

What do you do in the Jayhawk Battalion?

  • Attend a class 1 time per week
  • Attend physical training three mornings per week, M-W-Th from 0600-0700
  • Help with projects (football games, Veteran's Day parade, blood drives, community service projects, etc.)
  • Attend Leadership Lab (2 hours) every Thursday afternoon
  • Two (2) field training exercises (FTX) per year (48 hour duration in the Fall semester and 96 hour duration in the Spring semester) 
  • Attend a 37-day Cadet summer training event between the Junior and Senior year at Fort Knox, Kentucky

What do you study in Military Science?

  • Basic leadership skills
  • Basic Soldier skills (land navigation, marksmanship, military orientation)
  • Confidence and team building
  • Army history and traditions

What do you get out of KU Army ROTC?

  • A Full or Part-Time Job (Active Duty Lieutenants start at approximately $57,000)
  • Scholarship opportunities (100% of tuition and fees, book allowance and stipend)
  • Physical fitness

LEARN MORE ABOUT ARMY ROTC This link will take you to goarmy.com and you will be able to learn more about the careers the Army offers.

KU Army ROTC By-the-Numbers

2,306
Total number of Commissioned Second Lieutenants in Program History
82%
ROTC Graduation rate which is higher than the University Average.
74%
Cadets receiving National Scholarship, Campus-Based Scholarship, or State/Federal Tuition Assistance.
3.32
Average GPA for the Unit over the past 5 years. ROTC places an emphasis on Studying, Networking, and Mentorship.

Fall 2023 New Cadet Orientation

Mandatory for New Cadets 16-18 August 2023
2nd Floor, Military Science Building

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National High School Scholarship Application

Applications open on 12 June 2022. Complete the application, join our team, and secure a future career as a leader in the Nation's Army.
four pictures.  Far left is two soldiers standing in front of a helicopter.  Middle left is Baby Jay, the Kansas mascot sitting at the Army ROTC table.  The middle right is two soldiers after graduating ranger school, last picture on the right is a cadet snowboarding during winter break.

Request More Information

Still unsure about ROTC after visiting our website, but would rather talk to someone through email than on the phone? We get it, hit the button below and our Scholarship and Admissions officer will reach out to you via email, text, or call, it's your choice!

Request More Information
Cadets participating in the RBC on the left, three cadets standing in gas masks in the middle, once cadet celebrating the KU national championship middle left, and cadet posing in uniform on the far right.

Meet with our Scholarship and Admissions Officer

Before committing to join the Jayhawk Battalion, you and your family may have further questions, schedule some time to get those questions answered. Our Scholarship and Admissions officer Mr. Jenkins looks forward to meeting you.

Schedule an Appointment